PUCO approves Columbia Gas of Ohio’s energy efficiency programs

COLUMBUS, OHIO (Dec. 21, 2016) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today modified and adopted an agreement signed by Columbia Gas of Ohio, PUCO staff and several interested parties to continue and expand Columbia’s demand-side management (DSM) programs.

Demand-side management programs are measures to decrease energy demand through consumer-based energy efficiency measures like home energy audits, home weatherization and tools for consumers to become more engaged in their energy usage. Columbia’s DSM programs include:

WarmChoice®: Low-income customer home weatherization

Home Performance Solutions: Low-cost home energy audits and rebates/discounts

In its June 2016 application, Columbia proposed to extend the term of its DSM programs to six years, beginning Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2022. Columbia commits to enhancing several of its existing DSM programs, including increasing weatherization assistance to customers in rental properties, providing audits to multi-family residential buildings, adding rebates for energy efficient water heaters, offering walk-through energy analysis, and increasing the size of buildings eligible for incentives. Columbia agrees to invest approximately $26.8 million annually in DSM programs.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.